New Research and ADHD

Recent research reporting on improvement in a 3 ½ year old boy undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing children with ADHD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Atlanta, GA, March 07, 2009 –(PR.com)– The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in children suffering from a number of disorders that share their origin with ADHD.

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain” stated Dr. Pamela Stone-McCoy, lead author of the paper. “Basic science research shows that the proper development of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. Lisa Przybysz, a co-author on the paper. “We see this shocking increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and other behavioral disorders at the same time that we see a huge increase of sedentary behavior in our children.”

As pointed out in the paper, researchers believe that the increase in the diagnosis of such disorders as ADHD, pervasive developmental disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders, have their root in a “perfect storm” of abnormal spinal development coupled with cultural changes.

“Not only does television watching, computer use, computer games and lack of exercise cause an increase in obesity and diabetes in our children” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study, “These habits are also stunting the development of our children’s brains.”

According to McCoy “Children’s nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.”

The child reported on in the study suffered from a number of health challenges including birth trauma, ear infections, and balance problems. With their child suffering from poor school performance and difficulty interacting with others, the parents sought chiropractic care in order to avoid resorting to medication. After just one month under chiropractic care the child began to improve. His grades and general health improved and he continues to receive chiropractic care on a regular basis. The authors of the study call for more research on the role of chiropractic care in these types of disorders.